Ward 6, Frank Rabil

Ward 6 has been without a representative for more than a year, and this election cycle Frank Rabil wants to provide that voice.

Rabil has been an educator, he worked for the Bank of Franklin, and for more than 26 years he was an executive for Union Camp/International Paper. He said that experience will help in serving the city.

“I was born and reared in Franklin and I have been here my whole life,” he said. “I love Franklin — my hometown. I have enjoyed the lifestyle and comforts that we have, and I want to give back and help make it better.”

Education, the economy and regionalism are the items on his platform.

“Education and the economy go hand-in-glove, as far as the role education plays in attaining and retaining business,” he said. “I think we ought to leave no stone unturned as far as regionalism. We are exploring opportunities with Southampton County, but there may be opportunities in Isle of Wight County.”

Regarding education specifically, Rabil said there needs to be more accountability.

“The city is funding the school board, and if this were strictly a business perspective, we would expect results for this money,” he said. “There needs to be more accountability and transparency between the parties.

“As citizens, we need to be supportive. We need to volunteer and be involved.”

The future of Franklin ought to be made up of more small businesses, Rabil said.

“Small businesses, with 15 to 25 employees, might help address the void in employment that was left behind with the mill,” he said. “I don’t think right now we are going to attract a business that will hire 4,500 people. But we can attract smaller businesses.”

He added that working with surrounding counties could help attract larger businesses.

Transparency is also a concern, he said, especially around budget time.

“Council has to do a better job of informing and helping citizens be aware of what is going on,” he said. “The city manager has to look at the budget and find ways to fill the void, alternative ways, because nobody likes tax increases. Sometimes they are necessary, but I am more in favor of use taxes than a general tax increase in a city like Franklin. The rental proportion here is 60 to 40 percent compared to homeowners, so that puts a greater proportion of the tax burden on homeowners.”

Rabil said even if you don’t vote for him, one thing is importnat come May 6.

“It is important for people to exercise their right to vote,” he said. “You can’t say anything about your representation if you do not vote.”